the ward method

Tag: recipes

  • Christmas treats to try when you’re bored at home (so easy to make).

    Christmas treats to try when you’re bored at home (so easy to make).

    I was scrolling through Pinterest the other day (as one does) and got totally inspired by all the cute, festive Christmas treats people are making. Honestly, some of them looked a little extra, but also kind of fun. So I thought I’d share a few ideas in case you’re ever bored at home and want to try something new in the kitchen.

    Sometimes the best part of Christmas isn’t the big holiday stress or perfectly decorated tree, it’s the tiny moments of joy, like melting chocolate and sprinkling crushed candy canes over cookies. Even if you don’t have a full holiday baking setup, you can still make something sweet and festive that feels cozy and satisfying.

    One of my favourite easy treats I found? A raspberry chocolate bar. It’s simple, requires very few ingredients, and is perfect for when you just want a little sweet pick-me-up.

    Ingredients:

    • 200g dark chocolate (or milk chocolate if you prefer)
    • 1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
    • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, like almonds or pistachios)
    • A pinch of sea salt

    Instructions:

    1. Line a small baking dish with parchment paper.
    2. Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl (30-second intervals, stirring in between) or over a double boiler.
    3. Pour half the melted chocolate into the lined dish and spread it evenly.
    4. Sprinkle raspberries over the chocolate, pressing them lightly in. Add nuts if you’re using them.
    5. Pour the remaining chocolate over the top to cover the berries.
    6. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top.
    7. Chill in the fridge for 1–2 hours until firm.
    8. Slice into bars and enjoy!

    It’s easy, festive, and perfect for that “I want to do something but not go full baking marathon” energy. Plus, it’s a great treat to share with friends, family, or just yourself while sipping hot cocoa and scrolling Pinterest for more inspiration. You’re welcome.

  • Why green juice actually helps with bloat (and doesn’t suck).

    Why green juice actually helps with bloat (and doesn’t suck).

    I know many people roll their eyes at anyone who swore by green juice. Like okay, babe, you blend spinach and suddenly your gut issues are gone? Sure.

    But then… I actually got into it a few years ago.

    And listen — I get it now.

    Because here’s the thing: Lately, I’ve been having green juice in the morning or mid-afternoon, and it’s honestly been a game-changer, especially for bloating. I actually do like the taste in a weird way, I’m not even kidding right now. Don’t judge me.

    That uncomfortable kind of bloat? Gone. Or at least, way less frequent.

    Green juice is basically like hitting reset on your digestive system. It’s full of ingredients that help reduce inflammation, flush out excess water, and support your gut, all without feeling like you’re on some weird cleanse.

    Here’s why it helps so much:

    🥬 Hydration = less water retention. Most green juices are packed with cucumber, celery, and leafy greens, all loaded with water. When you’re properly hydrated, your body doesn’t cling to excess water (aka, less bloat).

    🍋 Lemon + ginger = natural digestion support. Lemon juice helps your body produce digestive enzymes, while ginger calms your stomach and reduces inflammation.

    🌿 Chlorophyll = gut glow-up. Found in all those leafy greens, chlorophyll helps your body detox gently and keeps things… moving (you know what I mean).

    The best part? You don’t have to be hardcore about it. You don’t need an expensive juicer or some 5-day juice cleanse that makes you hate life. I literally just make mine with cucumber, lemon, spinach, apple, and ginger, or grab a bottled one that’s low in sugar.

    It’s not about being “that girl”, it’s about feeling good in your body. The less bloat, the lighter you feel. And honestly, there’s something so satisfying about starting the day with something green. It feels like you’re setting the tone, fresh, balanced, kind to yourself.

    So yep. I guess I’m in my green juice era again.
    And I’m not mad about it. I highly recommend.

  • the drink of the summer? matcha.

    the drink of the summer? matcha.

    summer’s creeping in, the kind of days that smell like sunscreen, sound like playlists you’ve overplayed, and feel like you’re constantly chasing the next iced drink.

    and for me, that drink is matcha.

    honestly, it’s more than just a drink at this point, it’s a ritual. a personality trait. a small, green piece of peace in the chaos.

    there’s something about an iced matcha that just feels like summer, the way it clinks with ice cubes, the creamy swirl when you mix it, that earthy-sweet flavor that somehow wakes you up without making your heart race. it’s calm energy in a cup.

    and that’s kind of the thing, matcha isn’t loud. it doesn’t rush you into the day the way coffee does. it eases you in. it’s slower, softer, intentional. it’s that reminder to breathe between the busy.

    plus, it’s ridiculously aesthetic. i mean, let’s be honest, the green straw, the pastel cup, the sunlight hitting just right for a photo you probably won’t even post. it’s a vibe.

    but beyond the vibe, it’s also how it makes me feel. matcha has this way of turning ordinary moments into small acts of self-care. whether it’s sipping one on a morning walk, grabbing it after the gym, or just having it while sitting on your balcony, it’s that gentle “everything’s okay” energy we all need.

    so yes, summer might be about beaches, road trips, and sunsets, but it’s also about the little rituals that make it feel like you. and for me, that’s a cold matcha in hand, windows down, and nowhere to be in a rush.

    matcha isn’t just the drink of the summer.
    it’s the energy of it, calm, cool, and completely in the moment.

  • Green juice in the morning is my secret mood boost.

    Green juice in the morning is my secret mood boost.

    Let’s set the record straight: I don’t drink green juice to “be good.”
    I drink green juice because it makes me feel good.

    You know those little rituals that feel like a hug from your higher self? That’s what green juice in the morning is for me. It’s not about being perfect, clean, or aesthetic, it’s about giving my mind and body something kind before the day starts demanding everything from me.

    Here are two underrated, mood-boosting benefits of starting your morning with a green juice:

    1. It helps clear the mental fog (a.k.a. the brain cobwebs)
    You know that weird groggy feeling where your brain feels like it’s still booting up? That used to be my morning norm, until I swapped my first cup of coffee for a cold, zesty green juice.

    Most green juices are packed with nutrients that actually wake up your body, like chlorophyll, vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium. These all help support circulation and give your cells a nudge to do their thing. Translation? More oxygen to your brain = clearer thoughts, more energy, and fewer mid-morning crashes.

    And no, you don’t have to be a full-on celery juice cult member. A mix of cucumber, lemon, apple, spinach, and ginger works just fine. It’s like mental clarity in liquid form.

    2. It sets the tone for the day (in a low-pressure way)
    There’s something psychological that happens when you do one kind thing for your body first thing in the morning. It sends a little message to your brain: I’m taking care of us today.

    That one decision, before emails, noise, and life stuff kicks in, has a ripple effect. You feel a little more grounded. A little more in control. A little less like you’re scrambling to keep up with the day, and a little more like you’re in the driver’s seat.

    Even if everything else goes off the rails (which, let’s be real, sometimes it will), you already gave yourself a win. And that matters.

    Green juice won’t fix everything. But it’s a vibe.
    It’s not about being the “that girl” version of wellness. It’s about finding small ways to support your mental state, without overthinking it. So next time you’re feeling a little bleh, try reaching for something green. Not because you should, but because it might just make you feel more you.

  • Berry smoothies > therapy (sometimes)

    Berry smoothies > therapy (sometimes)

    Let’s be real for a sec, if I could only have one meal for the rest of my life, it would 100% be a smoothie. And not just any smoothie. A berry smoothie. With almond milk. Thick, cold, slightly sweet, kind of like a hug in a cup. It’s not just a drink, it’s a whole moment.

    And while it is delicious, the best part? It actually loves you back.

    Here’s why my blender stays booked and busy:

    1. Berries are tiny superheroes
    Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, whatever you’ve got in the freezer, just know they’re loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and all the good stuff your skin, brain, and body love.
    They’re literally out here fighting inflammation and aging while you sip something that tastes like dessert.

    Bonus: They also help with digestion, brain health, and heart health. I mean?? Iconic behavior.

    2. Almond milk is the underrated MVP
    I always go for almond milk. It’s light, creamy, and way easier on the stomach (hello, dairy intolerance).
    It adds that smooth texture I’m obsessed with, and it doesn’t overpower the flavour of the fruit, just blends in and lets the berries be the main character. We love a supportive queen.

    3. It’s fast, filling, and makes you feel like you have your life together
    There’s something about holding a smoothie in your hand that just makes you feel… well. Like yes, maybe I didn’t journal today, but I did blend frozen fruit with intention and sip it while pretending I’m the healthiest person alive.
    Also, it’s actually filling. I’ll throw in some protein powder, chia seeds, or oats when I’m in my “meal prep era,” and boom, breakfast/lunch/dinner is sorted.

    4. Smoothies are joy in a glass
    There’s a reason I love them so much. They’re easy. They’re colourful. They’re happy.
    And sometimes, after a long day or a stressful morning, that’s exactly what I need. Something simple. Something sweet. Something I don’t have to overthink.

    So yes, this is your official reminder to get your blender out and romanticize your next smoothie moment.

    Berry smoothies (with almond milk, obviously) = elite behavior.

    And if you hear me calling it my favourite meal again… just let me live.